Taking a vacation means stepping away from your normal routine, but your home continues to use electricity whether you’re there or not. Managing your energy use during vacation season is a smart way to prevent waste, lower your bill, and return to a home that hasn’t been running at full power unnecessarily. With a few easy adjustments and some planning ahead, you can relax on your trip knowing your home is operating efficiently in your absence.
Adjust the Thermostat Thoughtfully
If you’re heading out during the warmer months, set your thermostat several degrees higher than usual. Raising it to around 85 degrees keeps your house from becoming overly hot while easing the load on your air conditioning system. If you own a programmable or smart thermostat, take advantage of vacation settings or create a temporary schedule. These tools let you monitor and change the temperature remotely if a heat wave hits or if your plans change. In colder months, lowering the thermostat to around 55 degrees will help avoid pipe freezes without wasting heat.
For even greater efficiency, close off unused rooms, especially those with poor insulation or sun-facing windows. This reduces the area your HVAC system needs to manage while you’re away.
Unplug Phantom Power Drawers
Many household electronics continue to draw power even when turned off. This hidden usage, known as standby or phantom power, can add up over time. Unplugging devices like televisions, coffee makers, computer monitors, phone chargers, printers, and sound systems ensures they’re not quietly pulling electricity. Grouping these items on power strips makes it easier to unplug multiple devices at once. You can also invest in smart plugs that allow remote shut-off or scheduled power-downs via an app.
Use Smart Lighting or Timers
Leaving lights on for security purposes can lead to unnecessary energy use. A better approach is to use light timers or smart bulbs connected to your phone. These let you turn lights on and off at certain times or control them remotely. This creates the illusion that someone is home while keeping energy use to a minimum. Opt for energy-saving LED bulbs—they use up to 75 percent less energy and last significantly longer than traditional incandescent ones.
Optimize Your Water Heater
Water heaters are often overlooked but consume a large portion of household electricity. If you’ll be gone for more than a few days, set your water heater to vacation mode. If your model does not have this feature, lower the temperature manually to about 50 degrees. This prevents it from constantly heating water that no one is using. If you use a tankless water heater, consult the manual, as many have an “away” mode that reduces standby usage.
Clean Out and Adjust Your Refrigerator
If your vacation will be a week or longer, take a moment to clean out your refrigerator. Discard any food that will expire while you’re gone, and rearrange items so air can flow more freely. For trips longer than two weeks, consider emptying and unplugging the fridge entirely and leaving the door slightly open to prevent odors or mold. Otherwise, raise the temperature a few degrees—setting the fridge to 38 degrees and the freezer to around 5 degrees keeps food safe while cutting back on energy.
Shut Curtains and Close Blinds
Windows can be a major source of heat gain during the day. To reduce the interior temperature and ease the burden on your HVAC system, draw the curtains or close the blinds before you leave. Blackout curtains offer the most insulation, but even basic blinds help limit the sunlight that can heat up your home and trigger your air conditioner to run more often.
Adjust Pool Equipment Settings
Pool owners can see major energy savings by changing how often pool pumps and filters run. Instead of operating 8 to 12 hours daily, cut the time down to 4 to 6 hours while you’re away. Make sure your pool is properly treated and balanced beforehand to maintain water quality. Some modern pool systems allow for remote control, giving you added flexibility if your trip runs longer than expected.
Pause Sprinklers and Outdoor Features
If your area is not facing watering restrictions and your lawn can go without daily care, pause automatic sprinkler systems to avoid unnecessary water and electricity use. The same goes for outdoor lighting, water features, and fountains. Timers can help manage these, or you can simply unplug the equipment while you are gone.
Seal and Secure Windows and Doors
Do a final walkthrough to ensure all windows, doors, and sliding glass panels are completely closed and locked. Even small cracks or misaligned seals can allow warm or cool air to escape and let outdoor air creep in. If you notice drafts or loose weather stripping, take time to seal them up before your trip. Not only will this help during your time away, but it will continue to benefit your energy use all year long.
Get Help From a Neighbor or Friend
A trusted neighbor, friend, or family member can be a valuable resource while you’re away. Ask them to do a quick check on your home every few days to make sure everything is functioning as expected. If a storm rolls through or the power goes out, they can ensure your appliances and systems are working or report any concerns. This human backup helps protect against surprises and provides peace of mind while you’re away.
Being mindful of your home’s energy use while you’re on vacation is good for your wallet and the planet. It only takes a few small changes before you go, and they can add up to noticeable savings. With a little planning, you can relax fully knowing your home is running more efficiently while you are away.